Nigerian comedian and master of ceremonies Chimaraph has shared powerful lessons on patience and the moments that confirmed his calling in entertainment.
On the Conversations With Kenni podcast hosted by Kehinde Ajose, he reflected on the tough early seasons when entertainment was his only source of income. Unlike others who had regular jobs to fall back on, he and many peers had to make the industry pay their bills and sustain them.
One experience that shaped him deeply was his time around Stand Up Nigeria, the major comedy platform produced by Bunmi Davies. Chimaraph always wanted a chance to perform there because it prepared comedians for bigger stages.
“Anytime we got sad we didn’t get a chance to perform, he [Bunmi Davies] would always tell us that it’s not about performing, but performing well anytime we got the chance because millions would watch us and however they see us was how they’d perceive our brands,” he recalled.
What once felt like rejection became training.
“I didn’t even know waiting backstage and not getting a chance to perform at the end of the day was part of my training. I was observing highs and lows of the performances of the people that performed and informing my own craft with their experiences on stage. Understanding the audience.”
Chimaraph also recounted a defining event that proved he was meant to be an MC. He was asked to start a full-blown Yoruba wedding on Lagos Island because the official host, Jude Orhorha, had another engagement and planned to join later.
“It was a full blown Yoruba wedding and I was able to navigate that event irrespective of the challenges. Jude didn’t come till I was done. Even though I couldn’t speak Yoruba well, I spoke the few funny ones I could and they realized I couldn’t speak Yoruba, but I was still able to bring life to it and have fun. They reached out to Orhorha to tell him I was exceptional regardless.”
That night, with no official backup and language barriers, Chimaraph kept the energy high and left a lasting impression. The feedback from the guests confirmed what he already felt: hosting was more than a skill. It was a calling.
His story highlights the quiet seasons of observation, the pressure of relying solely on entertainment, and the breakthrough moments that reward persistence. For many young talents, Chimaraph’s journey serves as a reminder that waiting is often part of the preparation.